Vector fixation device

ABSTRACT

A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on a proximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of the tension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatus also includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. The chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and a force vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of and claims priorityfrom U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/305,408, filed on Jun. 16,2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention is medical devices, and more specificallybone and tissue fixation devices.

2. Description Of Related Art

Bones provide a rigid structure for the human body and provide supportand protection for various organs. Occasionally, a bone, or otherorganic tissue, may become fractured. In some cases, surgical methodsare used to treat fractured bones, in order to stabilize the bone sothat the fracture heals properly.

In some instances, orthopedic surgery requires the use of implants tosupport orthopedic reconstruction. For example, it may be necessary toinsert bone screws, plates, pins, rods, wires, interlocking nails, orother devices to support the bone, or other tissue, while healing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A fixation apparatus is provided that includes a reception portion on aproximal end of the fixation apparatus. The reception portion couplesthe fixation apparatus to a tension element, and adjustment of thetension element with respect to the fixation apparatus does not cause achange in a position of the fixation apparatus. The fixation apparatusalso includes a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device. Thechamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element that runsthrough the chamber and is anchored at the reception portion, and aforce vector of the tension element exiting at the distal end of thefixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of thefixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

A method is provided for fractured bone repair. The method includesinserting a fixation device into a first segment of organic tissue alonga central axis of the fixation device. The method also includesthreading a tension element through a chamber portion of the fixationdevice. The method also includes anchoring, at a proximal end of thefixation device, the tension element to a button, wherein the fixationdevice comprises a button reception portion that couples the button tothe fixation device. The method also includes attaching the tensionelement to an anchor in a second segment of organic tissue such that aforce vector of the tension element at the distal end of the fixationdevice is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of the fixationapparatus from the proximal end to the distal end.

A fixation apparatus is provided. The fixation apparatus includes achamber through a fixation device. The chamber provides a supportiveenclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamber andcouples to the fixation device at a proximal end of the fixation device,and a force vector of the tension element at the distal end of thefixation device is redirected at an axis independent of the axis of thefixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end. The fixationapparatus also includes a tissue engagement portion of the fixationdevice. An outside surface of the tissue engagement portion includesanti-migration elements to secure the apparatus in the position inorganic tissue, and a force exerted on the tension element is redirectedto secure anatomy. Adjustment of the tension element with respect to thefixation device does not cause a change in a position of the fixationdevice.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers generallyrepresent like parts of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 sets forth a line drawing illustrating a cross section view of anexample fixation device for fractured bone or tissue repair, accordingto one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 sets forth a line drawing illustrating an example fixation devicefixation device for fractured bone or tissue repair utilizing anexternal drive portion, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 sets forth a line drawing illustrating an example fixation devicefor fractured bone or tissue repair utilizing an internal drive portion,according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 sets forth a line drawing illustrating a cross section view of anexample fixation device for fractured bone or tissue repair utilizing athreaded button, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 sets forth a flow chart illustrating an example method forutilizing a fixation device, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 sets forth a line drawing of a schematic view utilizing afixation device, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7 sets forth a line drawing of a schematic view utilizing multiplefixation devices, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary methods, apparatus, and products for a vector fixation devicein accordance with the present invention are described with reference tothe accompanying drawings, beginning with FIG. 1. In one or moreembodiments, the present invention is directed to a vector fixationdevice that provides a supportive enclosure for a tension element thatextends outside the vector fixation device poly-axially.

FIG. 1 sets forth a cross section view of a fixation device (100), orfixation apparatus, for fractured bone or tissue repair, according toone or more embodiments. Fixation device (100) may be a cannulated bonescrew, vector screw, vector anchor, or any similar cannulated memberthat is used to reinforce the fixation within bone or other organictissue in a body. In one or more embodiments, fixation device (100) mayinclude a drive feature used to insert the fixation device (100) intoorganic tissue, such as bone, which will be described in more detailwith respect to FIGS. 2-3. In one or more embodiments, fixation device(100) includes a threaded portion (135), such as helical ridges on anoutside surface of fixation device (100) that facilitates entry into thetissue using a screw motion. In one or more embodiments, the threadedportion (135) may encompass the entire surface of the fixation device(100). The threaded portion (135) may also be a tissue engagementportion, and fixation device (100) may include other non-helical ridgesto prevent migration of fixation device (100) once it is inserted intobone or other tissue. For example, fixation device (100) may includeanti-migration elements on an outside surface, including ribs or grooveson the outside surface or a porous mesh on the outside surface of thefixation apparatus for a tissue ingrowth portion to affix the fixationapparatus in position in organic tissue.

Fixation device (100) includes a proximal end (105) and a distal end(110). Proximal end (105) includes a reception portion (125) withinwhich a surgical button (120) or other anchor may be loosely or rigidlyattached to the fixation device (100). For example, in one or moreembodiments, the anchor may be simply a tension element that has beenknotted such that it is anchored at the proximal end (105) without theuse of a surgical button.

According to one or more embodiments, the surgical button (120) may sitwithin the reception portion (125). In one or more embodiments, surgicalbutton (120) may be a height adjusting button, a free floating button,or a retained button. That is, surgical button (120) may fit over theproximal end (105) of fixation device (100), may sit inside proximal end(10) of fixation device (100), or may float atop proximal end (105) offixation device (100). Adjustment of the placement of the button withrespect to the fixation device allows the button to protrude from theproximal end (105) of the fixation device, to be flush with the proximalend (105) of the fixation device, or to be fully hidden within theproximal end (105) of the fixation device. Adjusting the placement orthe button with respect to the fixation device allows the fixationdevice (100) and button (120) to sit flush, above, or below bone orother organic tissue, and allows the button to be strategicallypositioned around sensitive anatomy.

In one or more embodiments, either or both of fixation device (100) andsurgical button (120) may include features that allow for rigid couplingof the surgical button (120) to the fixation device (100). Thesefeatures may include, for example, helical threads or other ridges thataffix the surgical button to proximal end (15) of fixation device (100),as will be described in further detail with respect to FIG. 4. Theposition of surgical button (120) may be adjusted with respect tofixation device (100) without causing a change in a position of thefixation device within organic tissue.

Surgical button (120) provides an anchor for tension element (115).However, in one or more embodiments, tension element (115) may beanchored without the use of surgical button (120). In one or moreembodiments, tension element (115) may be sutures, synthetics, biologic,or a combination of materials, including grafted tissue, and may besecured, for example, using a knot, to surgical button (120), ordirectly within proximal end (105) without the use or a surgical button(120). Tension element (115) may be used to tighten or hold two or moresegments of organic tissue. In one or more embodiments, tension element(115) may be used to tighten or hold a tendon to a bone. For example,tension element (115) may be knotted more tightly at surgical button(120) to cause greater tension in tension element (115).

Tension element (115) passes through fixation device (100) throughchamber (130) in the distal end (110), and chamber (130) provides asupportive enclosure for tension element (115). In addition, theproximal end (100) also includes a hollow portion that allows tensionelement (115) to pass through the entire fixation device (100) fromproximal end (105) to distal end (110). Tension element (115) passesthrough chamber (130) at an axis corresponding to that of the centralaxis of fixation apparatus (100) from the proximal end (105) to distalend (110).

According to one or more embodiments, tension elements (115) exitsfixation device (100) at the distal end (110) at an axis independent ofthe axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end (105) to thedistal end (110). Said another way, tension element (110) redirects aforce vector of the tension element (115) poly-axially at the distal end(110). As will be described with respect to FIGS. 6-7, in one or moreembodiments, tension element (115) may pass through chamber (130) andanchor to one or more additional anchors, surgical buttons, or fixationdevices independent from fixation device (100), within a same organictissue segment, or across multiple tissue segments.

FIG. 2 sets forth a diagram of an example fixation device (200) forfractured bone or tissue repair utilizing an external drive portion,according to one or more embodiments. As in FIG. 1, fixation device(200) includes a proximal end (105) and distal end (110). Surgicalbutton (120) sits inside button reception portion (125) of fixationdevice (200). Fixation device (200) also includes a chamber that acts asa supportive enclosure for tension element (115), which is anchored atsurgical button (120). Fixation device (200) also depicts external driveportion (210), which provides a surface for a user to apply a force suchthat the helical ridges in threaded portion (135) drives fixation device(200) into organic tissue, such as bone. In one or more embodiments, thethreaded portion (135) acts as an anti-migration element, to affix thefixation device (300) in position in organic tissue.

FIG. 3 sets forth a diagram of an example fixation device for fracturedbone or tissue repair utilizing an internal drive portion, according toone or more embodiments. As in FIG. 1, fixation device (300) includes aproximal end (105) and distal end (110). Surgical button (120) sitsinside button reception portion (125) of fixation device (300). Fixationdevice (300) also includes a chamber that acts as a supportive enclosurefor tension element (115), which is anchored at surgical button (120).Fixation device (300) also depicts internal drive portion (310), whichprovides a surface for a user to apply a force such that the helicalridges in threaded portion (135) drives fixation device (300) intoorganic tissue, such as bone. In one or more embodiments, the threadedportion (135) acts as an anti-migration element, to affix the fixationdevice (300) in position in organic tissue.

FIG. 4 sets forth a cross section view of a fixation device forfractured bone or tissue repair utilizing a threaded button, accordingto one or more embodiments. As in FIG. 1, fixation device (400) includesa proximal end (105) and distal end (110). Tension element (115) is alsothreaded through chamber (130), and threaded portion (135) includeshelical ridges on an outside surface of fixation device (100) thatfacilitates entry into the tissue.

Fixation device (400) additionally includes threaded surgical button(420) that is affixed inside button reception portion (425) of fixationdevice (400) using helical ridges, or threads, inside button receptionportion (425). In one or more embodiments, threaded surgical button(420) may include other characteristics, such as non-helical ridges,that allow threaded surgical button (420) to loosely but securely coupleto fixation device (400) within button reception portion (425). Thus,the position of surgical button (420) may be adjusted with respect tofixation device (400) without causing a change in position of thefixation device (400) within the organic tissue.

For example, in one or more embodiments, threaded surgical button (420)may be screwed, or otherwise adjusted, in or out of button receptionportion (425) to adjust the height of the button with respect tofixation device (400). Adjusting the position of the threaded surgicalbutton (420), or any button (i.e., surgical button 120), causes a changein the tension in tension element (115) without adjusting the positionof fixation device (400). The button may be rest above, within, orpartially extended from the proximal end of fixation device andstrategically positioned around sensitive anatomy. In one or moreembodiments, threaded surgical button (420) may be adjusted to modifythe tension of tension element (115) to hold a segment of organic tissueto another segment of organic tissue, or tendon to a bone for healing.For example, increasing the height of threaded surgical button (420)will cause an increased tension in tension element (115) when tensionelement (115) is anchored at threaded surgical button (420).

FIG. 5 sets forth a flow chart illustrating an example method forutilizing a fixation device, according to one or more embodiments. Whilethe steps provided are listed in a linear order, according to one ormore embodiments, any or all of the steps may occur in a differentorder, or simultaneously. In addition, in one or more embodiments, oneor more of the steps may be omitted. In the example method of FIG. 5,reference may be made to the example fixation devices with reference toFIGS. 1-4.

The example method of FIG. 5 includes inserting (505) a fixation device(100) into a first segment of organic tissue along a central axis of thefixation device (100). In one or more embodiments, the fixation deviceis inserted by applying a force to the drive portion (210, 310), tocause the fixation device (100) to enter organic tissue. In one or moreembodiments, the fixation device may be affixed into organic tissueusing anti-migration elements on a threaded portion, or tissueengagement portion, such as the helical ridges, non-helical ridges,ribs, grooves, porous mesh, or any other feature on an external portionof the fixation device that affixes the fixation device into position inorganic tissue. The fixation device (100) is placed into a proximal boneor other tissue segment at an appropriate depth.

The example method also includes threading (510) a tension element (115)through a chamber portion (130) of the fixation device (100). In one ormore embodiments, the fixation device (100) is inserted prior toinserting the fixation device (100) into the organic tissue by drillinga primary tunnel to allow passage of the tension element (115), as wellas a toggle to guide the tension element. The toggle is loaded with thetension element (115) and passed through the tunnel. Then the fixationdevice (100) is loaded over the tension element (115) with the tensionelement running through the chamber (130). The tension element (115) isthreaded through the chamber (13) in fixation device (100) such that thetension element (115) is independent from the fixation device (100).

The example method also includes anchoring (515) the tension element toa second segment of organic tissue such that the tension element existthe fixation device (100) at an axis different than the axis of thefixation device. In one or more embodiments, the anchor is a secondsurgical button that is placed in the second segment of organic tissueeither with or without a second fixation device or surgical button. Thesecond segment of organic tissue may be an independent segment ororganic tissue, or merely a second portion of one organic tissue. In oneor more embodiments, the tension element is attached to the anchor bydrilling a second tunnel in the second segment of organic tissue. Thetension element (115) may be intercepted from the primary tunnel andpulled through the secondary tunnel to attach to the second anchor. Inone or more embodiments, the tension element may be placed to hold atendon to a bone for healing. Further, in one or more embodiments,multiple other fixation devices may be used in conjunction.

The example method also includes anchoring (520) the tension element(115) at a proximal end (105) of the fixation device (100). The tensionelement (115) is anchored such that the anchor, such as the knottedtension element or a surgical button, is appropriated below, at, orabove the cortical bone edge.

In one or more embodiments, the method includes anchoring (525) thetension element at the proximal end of the fixation device (100) to asurgical button (120) coupled to the fixation device (100) at a buttonreception portion. Anchoring the tension element may include threadingthe tension element (115) through the button (120) and securelytightening, for example knotting, tension element (115). The surgicalbutton (120) is coupled, loosely or rigidly, to the fixation device(100) such that adjustment of the surgical button with respect to thefixation device does not cause a change in a position of the fixationdevice (100).

The example method also includes modifying (530) a tension of thetension element using the surgical button. Adjustment of the surgicalbutton (120) with respect to the fixation device does not cause a changein a position of the fixation device (100). For example, in one or moreembodiments, the button reception portion includes threads that couplethe surgical button to the fixation device. The height of the surgicalbutton with respect to the fixation device, or the anchor of the tensionelement at the surgical button, may be adjusted using the threads tomodify the tension of the tension element.

FIG. 6 discloses a schematic view of utilizing a fixation device,according to one or more embodiments. It will be understood that thefollowing description is merely intended to provide an example of one ormore embodiments, and is not intended to limit the various embodimentsof the invention.

FIG. 6 includes two organic tissue segments (605A, 605B). Fixationdevice (600) is inserted into organic tissue segment (605A), and tensionelements (615A, 615B) are threaded through fixation device (600).Tension elements (615A, 615B) are anchored to surgical anchors (610A,610B) in organic tissue segment (605B). In one or more embodiments,surgical anchors (610A, 610B) are surgical buttons, or any other anchorused to anchor a tension element in organic tissue. As depicted,fixation device (600) may be used to connect one or more tensionelements to several other anchors or fixation devices.

Tension elements (615A, 615B) follow a central axis of fixation device(600) within the chamber. Upon exiting fixation device (600) at thedistal end, tension elements (615A, 615B) run from the distal end offixation device (600) to each of surgical anchor (610A) and surgicalanchor (610B) at angle such that the tension elements (615A, 615B) runfrom the distal end of fixation device (600) to each surgical anchor(610A, 610B) at a different axis than the central axis of fixationdevice (600). That is, upon exiting the distal end of fixation device(600), the tension in tension elements (615A, 615B) is redirected atangles towards surgical anchors (610A, 610B), respectively, as thetension elements exit the fixation device poly axially, at an axisindependent of the axis of the fixation device.

According to one or more embodiments, the tension in tension elements(615A, 615B) can be adjusted at fixation device (600), for example, byadjusting a surgical button coupled to fixation device (600), asdescribed above. In one or more embodiments, adjusting the tension intension elements (615A, 615B) causes the organic tissue segments (605A,605B) to be held together, or in a position suitable for healing.

FIG. 7 discloses a schematic view of utilizing multiple fixationdevices, according to one or more embodiments. It will be understoodthat the following description is merely intended to provide an exampleof one or more embodiments, and is not intended to limit the variousembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 includes two organic tissue segments (705A, 705B). Fixationdevices (700A, 700B) are inserted into organic tissue segments (705A,705B), respectively, and tension element (715) is threaded throughfixation devices (700A, 700B). Tension element (715) is anchored tosurgical buttons or other anchors couple to each of fixation devices(700A, 700B) in organic tissue segments (705A, 705B).

Tension element (715) follows a central axis of fixation device (700A)and a central axis of fixation device (700B) within the chambers of eachfixation device. Upon exiting each fixation device at the distal end,tension element (715) runs from the distal end of fixation device (700A)to the distal end of fixation device (700B) at angle such that thetension element (715) runs between fixation device (700A) and fixationdevice (700B) at a different axis than the central axis of either offixation device (700A) or fixation device (700B).

According to one or more embodiments, the tension in tension elements(715) can be adjusted at either or both or fixation device (700A) andfixation device (700B), for example, by adjusting a surgical buttoncoupled to fixation device (700A) or fixation device (700B), asdescribed above. In one or more embodiments, adjusting the tension intension element (715) causes the organic tissue segments (705A, 705B) tobe held together, or in a position suitable for healing. In one or moreembodiments, additional devices may be used to support tension element(715), such as graft (720).

In view of the explanations set forth above, readers will recognize thatthe benefits of the vector fixation device according to embodiments ofthe present invention include utilizing a reinforced fixation within thebone or tissue by means of a cannulated member, such as a cannulatedbone screw or other fixation device. The fixation device reinforces atension element using the fixation device allows for poly axial tensionelements. The ability to secure tissue in directions that are notco-axial with the fixation apparatus allows for repair of comminutedfractures, small bones, and complex anatomy. The incorporation of apolyaxial tension element within a fixation apparatus enables surgeonsto combine soft tissue repairs and fusion procedures with a singulardevice that may be more efficient than traditional techniques.

In addition, a more secure docking point than a simple surgical buttonor anchor. Further, the benefits of the fixation device according toembodiments of the invention include a protective chamber for thetension element as it passes through organic tissue. In one or moreembodiments, utilizing the fixation device allows a surgeon to securecomplex off-axis tension elements at any depth and angle within bones orother tissue. Further, in one or more embodiments, utilizing thefixation device offers an eased ability to retrieve and adjust a sutureas it is anchored by a surgical button on an outer surface of organictissue.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that modificationsand changes may be made in various embodiments of the present inventionwithout departing from its true spirit. The descriptions in thisspecification are for purposes of illustration only and are not to beconstrued in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention islimited only by the language of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fixation apparatus comprising: a receptionportion on the proximal end of the fixation apparatus, wherein thereception portion couples the fixation apparatus to a tension element,and wherein adjustment of the tension element with respect to thefixation apparatus does not cause a change in a position of the fixationapparatus; and a chamber in a distal portion of the fixation device,wherein the chamber provides a supportive enclosure for a tensionelement that runs through the chamber and is anchored at the receptionportion, and wherein a force vector of the tension element exiting atthe distal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axisindependent of the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal endto the distal end.
 2. The fixation apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a threaded portion on an outside surface to affix theapparatus in the position in organic tissue.
 3. The fixation apparatusof claim 1, wherein the fixation apparatus is coupled to a tensionelement via a surgical button anchored at the proximal end of thefixation apparatus.
 4. The fixation apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising anti-migration elements on an outside surface to affix theapparatus in the position in organic tissue.
 5. The fixation apparatusof claim 3, wherein reception portion comprises threads that couple thesurgical button to the fixation device and a position of the surgicalbutton with respect to the fixation device is adjusted using thethreads.
 6. The fixation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tensionelement holds a tendon to a bone for healing.
 7. The fixation apparatusof claim 1, wherein a second tension element additionally runs throughthe fixation apparatus.
 8. The fixation apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe tension element couples the fixation apparatus to a second fixationapparatus through organic tissue.
 9. The fixation apparatus of claim 3,wherein the button is strategically positioned around sensitive anatomyat a position selected from one of the group consisting of above, flush,and below organic tissue edges.
 10. A method for fractured tissuerepair, comprising: inserting a fixation device into a first segment oforganic tissue along a central axis of the fixation device; threading atension element through a chamber portion of the fixation device;anchoring, at a proximal end of the fixation device, the tensionelement; and anchoring the tension element to a second segment oforganic tissue such that a force vector of the tension element at thedistal end of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independentof the axis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to thedistal end.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the tension element isanchored at the proximal end to a button, and wherein the fixationdevice comprises a button reception portion that couples the button tothe fixation device.
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprisingmodifying a tension of the tension element using the surgical button,wherein button reception portion comprises threads that couple thesurgical button to the fixation device and the height of the surgicalbutton with respect to the fixation device is adjusted using the threadsto modify the tension of the tension element.
 13. The method of claim10, wherein attaching the tension element to an anchor in a secondsegment comprises placing the tension element to hold a tendon to a bonefor healing.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the fixation devicefurther comprises anti-migration elements on an outside surface to affixthe apparatus in the position in organic tissue.
 15. The method of claim10, wherein adjustment of the surgical button with respect to thefixation device does not cause a change in a position of the fixationdevice.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the anchor in the second ordistal segment is at least one of an additional fixation device and anadditional surgical button.
 17. A fixation apparatus comprising: achamber through a fixation device, wherein the chamber provides asupportive enclosure for a tension element that runs through the chamberand couples to the fixation device at a proximal end of the fixationdevice, and wherein a force vector of the tension element at the distalend of the fixation device is redirected at an axis independent of theaxis of the fixation apparatus from the proximal end to the distal end;and a tissue engagement portion of the fixation device, wherein anoutside surface of the tissue engagement portion includes anti-migrationelements to secure the apparatus in the position in organic tissue,wherein a force exerted on the tension element is redirected to secureanatomy, and wherein adjustment of the tension element with respect tothe fixation device does not cause a change in a position of thefixation device.
 18. The fixation apparatus of claim 17, wherein thetension element holds a tendon to a bone for healing.
 19. The fixationapparatus of claim 17, wherein the tension element is additionallyanchored to a surgical button through organic tissue.
 20. The fixationapparatus of claim 17, wherein the tension element couples the fixationapparatus to a second fixation apparatus through organic tissue.